INTRODUCTION

Exporting Indian food and agricultural products is more than a business—it’s a cultural bridge. Our spices, cereals, fruits, vegetables, and processed foods travel across oceans, finding place in kitchens, restaurants, and supermarkets worldwide. India’s reputation as the “food basket of the world” makes exporting food products a lucrative opportunity. However, the process is layered with regulatory steps.

To Export Food Products successfully, businesses need to secure licenses, comply with safety standards, and align with trade laws. Missing even one compliance checkpoint can result in shipment rejections, financial losses, or even permanent trade bans. This blog will help you understand the entire procedure step-by-step, highlighting APEDA Registration, FSSAI Central License, and other mandatory requirements, along with penalties and practical insights.

WHY ARE EXPORT LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES REQUIRED?

You might wonder—why can’t we just ship food items like any other goods? The answer lies in safety and credibility. Food is sensitive. Even the smallest lapse in quality can affect the health of thousands abroad. Export licenses ensure:

Quality assurance: Only products meeting India’s and the destination country’s standards are shipped.
Traceability: Every consignment can be traced back to the exporter and the production batch.
Market access: Without licenses, foreign customs authorities won’t allow your shipment entry.
Credibility: Registered exporters get recognized in international markets, which boosts brand trust.

Simply put, these certificates protect both consumers and exporters.

AUTHORITIES WHO ISSUE THE LICENSES

1. DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) – Issues the IEC (Import Export Code), a first step for all exporters.

2. APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) – Provides the RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate) for scheduled agricultural and processed food products.

3. FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) – Grants the Central License to ensure food products meet India’s safety and hygiene standards.

4. Other Commodity Boards – Depending on the product, exporters may also need approvals from the Spice Board, Coffee Board, Tea Board, or MPEDA (Marine Products Export Development Authority).

ELIGIBILITY AND DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

1. APEDA Registration

Eligibility: Any business or individual intending to export scheduled agricultural or processed food products.
Documents Required:
Incorporation documents (Certificate of Incorporation or Partnership Deed)
Import Export Code (IEC)
GST Registration Certificate
Bank certificate/cancelled cheque
List of intended products for export

2. FSSAI Central License

Eligibility: Any food exporter, regardless of turnover.
Documents Required:
IEC and GST details
Proof of business premises (ownership/lease agreement)
Food Safety Management System (FSMS) plan
List of food products intended for export
Identity and address proof of authorized signatory
NOC if exporting products not for domestic sale

3. Import Export Code (IEC)

Eligibility: Mandatory for all exporters and importers.
Documents Required:
PAN of business/individual
Bank account details
Proof of business incorporation

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS TO EXPORT FOOD PRODUCTS

Step 1: Obtain Import Export Code (IEC)

Apply online through DGFT’s official portal. IEC is a 10-digit code required for customs clearance, shipment booking, and registration with APEDA and FSSAI.

Step 2: Apply for APEDA Registration

Fill out the online application form on DGFT/APEDA portal.
Submit documents and pay the prescribed fee.
Once verified, APEDA issues the RCMC, generally valid for lifetime.

Step 3: Apply for FSSAI Central License

Apply through the FoSCoS (Food Safety Compliance System) portal.
Submit the required documents, pay the license fee, and undergo verification.
On approval, you receive the Central FSSAI License, usually valid for 1–5 years.

Step 4: Product-Specific Registrations

If exporting spices, coffee, tea, or seafood, additional registration with the respective commodity boards is required.

Step 5: Customs and Logistics Compliance

File shipping bills and Bills of Entry with customs.
Ensure all certificates (IEC, APEDA, FSSAI) are mentioned in Export Food Products documentation.
Comply with packaging, labelling, and phytosanitary requirements of the importing country.

PENALTIES FOR OPERATING WITHOUT LICENSES

Exporting food products without proper licenses is a risky shortcut. Consequences include:

Seizure of goods at customs – Your shipment can be stopped, leading to financial losses.
Rejection by importing countries – Resulting in loss of credibility and blacklisting.
Fines and legal penalties – Under the FSSAI Act, penalties can go up to several lakhs, with imprisonment in extreme cases.
Loss of benefits – Exporters without APEDA Registration cannot claim government incentives or export subsidies.

HOW LAWFINITY SIMPLIFIES THE EXPORT LICENSE PROCEDURE

At Lawfinity, we understand that dealing with multiple authorities, online portals, and complex compliance requirements can feel like walking through a maze. Missing even a single detail may lead to rejections or costly delays. That’s why our role is not just about paperwork—we make the export process clear, structured, and stress-free for entrepreneurs.

Here’s how we simplify every step for you:

1. End-to-End Consultation

We begin by understanding your business model, export goals, and the categories of food products you wish to ship. Based on this, we identify the exact licenses required—whether it’s APEDA Registration, FSSAI Central License, or approvals from commodity boards like the Spice Board or Coffee Board.

2. Error-Free Documentation

Incorrect forms are one of the top reasons for application rejection. Our team carefully prepares and reviews every document, ensuring your PAN, GST, IEC, and incorporation details match across applications.

3. Digital Filing Support

We handle the technical side by filing applications on DGFT, APEDA, and FoSCoS portals. You don’t need to worry about OTP verifications, digital signatures, or portal glitches—we take care of it.

4. Timely Updates

Exporters often face uncertainty about their application status. At Lawfinity, we provide regular updates so you’re never left guessing about approvals or queries raised by the authorities.

5. Renewal & Compliance Assistance

Licenses like the FSSAI Central License have to be renewed before expiry. We track all deadlines, file renewals, and ensure your business stays compliant year after year.

6. Product-Specific Advisory

Different products require different approvals and labelling norms. Our experts guide you on packaging, shelf-life declarations, and commodity-board registrations, so your goods meet both Indian and international requirements.

With Lawfinity by your side, you can concentrate on scaling your export business while we handle the red tape.

MUSINGS FROM THE AUTHOR’S INK

When I picture Indian food products being exported, I don’t just see cartons loaded onto ships—I see the aroma of turmeric and cardamom entering a European kitchen, or a family in the United States enjoying an evening cup of Darjeeling tea. Every shipment is more than a consignment; it’s a piece of India’s culture and tradition travelling overseas.

Of course, the path to exporting isn’t always smooth. The maze of applications, licenses, and certifications can feel exhausting. Yet, compliance is not just red tape—it is the foundation of trust. Without trust, no international buyer will invest in long-term business, and no consumer abroad will confidently pick up your product from a shelf.

Over the years, I’ve seen passionate entrepreneurs falter because they ignored the importance of licenses. It is always better to start right than to face setbacks later. Yes, the paperwork takes time and patience, but once complete, it opens the doors to global markets and government benefits.

At the end of the day, exporting food is not only about profit margins. It’s about taking the flavor of India to every corner of the world, and that, in itself, is a beautiful responsibility.